Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

starchy

[stahr-chee]
See more synonyms for starchy on Thesaurus.com
adjective, starch·i·er, starch·i·est.
  1. of, relating to, or of the nature of starch.
  2. containing starch.
  3. stiffened with starch.
  4. stiff and formal, as in manner.
Show More

Origin of starchy

First recorded in 1795–1805; starch + -y1
Related formsstarch·i·ly, adverbstarch·i·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for starchiness

Historical Examples

  • "I do not know where your uncle is," replied Gabriel suddenly, and losing his starchiness.

    The Chestermarke Instinct

    J. S. Fletcher

British Dictionary definitions for starchiness

starchy

adjective starchier or starchiest
  1. of, relating to, or containing starchstarchy foods
  2. extremely formal, stiff, or conventionala starchy manner
  3. stiffened with starch
Show More
Derived Formsstarchily, adverbstarchiness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for starchiness

starchy

adj.

1802, from starch + -y (2). Related: Starchily; starchiness.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper